GMF has learned from Mildred Summerville that the “First Lady of Gospel” Pastor Shirley Caesar will be feted on April 29, 2012, during which she will be crowned the “Queen of Gospel.” The metaphorical crown was previously worn by the late Albertina Walker, who passed October 2010. Pastor Caesar, an alumna of the famous Caravans, considers Walker as a mentor, friend, and legend on whose shoulders she stands.
A multiple Grammy, Stellar and Dove award winner, Pastor Caesar is one of the most recognized and beloved women in gospel music, both here and abroad. Her recording career stretches across six decades.
The crowning ceremony will take place at Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church (3100 Sanderford Road, Raleigh, NC), at 4 PM, where Caesar pastors. The service will feature a host of gospel singers and performers including six year-old Symone Spencer, performing as Baby Shirley Caesar, Michael Boone, Leniyus Sullivan, Fayetteville State University Choir United Voices of Praise, Mount Calvary Word of Faith Choir, and the mini-stage play “Hold My Mule” by Lucy Hawkins of the 700 Club.
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Also performing are: The Caesar Singers, Virginia Beach, Juan Santiago and JSUP, The Maryland Mass Chior, Ruth La’Ontra Jones, Bishop Floyd Knowlin & Lighthouse Choir, Steve Johnson & Singers, New Bethel Baptist Choir, TDK Mime, and Anointed Voices of Praise.
Jerry Smith of The Light 103.9FM and Peggy Tatum of TCP Magazine will host.
The service is open to the public and all seats are free.
Update (3/17/12): A fan club donation along with congratulatory cards will be presented to Pastor Caesar during the ceremony. This is your chance to give her flowers while she can enjoy them, by showing her just how much her music has meant to you.
Cards as well as donations of any amount are welcomed. All checks should be made payable to Pastor Shirley Caesar and mailed to:
Dr. Mildred Summerville
Fan Club Coordinator
P.O. Box 21
Wilson, NC 27894
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Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Well, I was HOPING the new girl Le'Andria Johnson would at some point take the crown in her later years, but being that she has had a good amount of problems and public criticism, I see the great Pastor Caesar will and well deserved take the crown. God bless, pastor!
Hopefully, Le'Andria will get it right (if not already) and hold up the standard that she sings about. Eventually, maybe she will be our gospel princess for years to come.
Congratulations Pastor Shirley Ceasar!! We were so blessed to be at your Sunday Morning Service as well as your crowning ceremony Sunday evening. It was fabulous!!! You ARE truly the Queen of Gospel!!!!!!
We love you, Terrie and Beth (Golden Corral Girls)
Congratulations Pastor Shirley Ceasar!!!! We were so blessed to be at your crowning ceremony. It was absolutely awesome!!!!!! You are truly the Queen of Gospel. We love you, Terrie Murray and Beth Ohmann
(Golden Corral Girls)
Your Mother called you Shirley Caesar,
The Caravans called you The Bishop Now the World calls you Queen Of Gospel, But God Calls You His Own.Congratulations !!!!!!!We Love you Bobbie Jean Chandler,Katherine Harvey,Cassietta Harvey,and Mother Ms. Katherine Dumas.
Pastor Caesar, congratulations! Thank you for the many years of inspired gospel music. Not only do you preach with the annointing, but you sing with the annointing. May the oil continue to flow.
May God continue to bless you Pastor Shirley Caesar. You are truly worthy of this cause! You and your music has touched many lives. I grew up listening to your music and still do. God bless you and I love you always!
WEN R U COMING BACK TO THE BAHAMAS
God bless Pastor Shirley Ceasar well deserve!So sorry I cant be there at your crowning ceremony. You have bless so many household with your Annointed music.
Enjoy your big day And continue to bles souls love your songs.. One of my favorite.. I remember Mama!!Love you lot's! Mighty Woman Of GOD…
Praise God, you have always been an inspiration. I thank God for your uncompromising and unwavering service to God for a stretch of six decades. You have been an example to the gospel music industry; you have never altered your music to satisfy the heart of man, but you have caused man to alter his standards and please the heart of God through the acceptance of salvation. There is no doubt that you will receive a crown of glory when you go before the Father and he will announce, "thou good and faithful servant." I have been told, that my mother had a voice as of Mahalia Jackson, and I have a voice as of Shirley Caesar. What an honor, but I say (lol), the closest thing I have to your singing is your autographed picture. God Bless, continue to keep it pure and holy! I thank God for you.
Congratulations Pastor Shirley Ceasar, you have always been my best, when it comes to gospel music. you desrve the crown.Wishing you all the best.